A man who was diagnosed with diabetes almost 20 years ago hopes his experiences can help stop fellow sufferers feeling ‘overwhelmed’ by the condition.

Prakash Chavda, of Cannonbury Avenue, Pinner, was first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes following a blood test in May 1997.

Now 18 years down the line, the retired accountant is now an active volunteer for Diabetes UK in London, to help promote awareness – particularly during this week’s Diabetes Awareness Week.

He said: “I was extremely worried, it was very distressing to be diagnosed. I insisted in having a blood test because I kept getting an infected finger and my glucose levels were all over the place.

“I was sent to the doctor to start on medication and told off by the doctor for not looking after myself.

“I didn’t know what the condition was so I thought my end was near, I thought I would drop dead.”

When he attended training hosted by Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group last year, the 62-year-old learned how he can change his lifestyle to help to manage the chronic condition.

Mr Chavda added: “Diabetes can happen to anyone, so knowing how the symptoms and knowing the ways you can manage it is very important.

“Managing diabetes can be exceedingly demanding, requiring people to think about every bite of food they eat and the impact of any exercise they take on your blood glucose levels, in terms of how much it will affect them, how quickly and how long for.

“It’s really not easy, especially when you are first diagnosed, when it can all feel quite complex and overwhelming.”

Mr Chavda now spends several days each month visiting temples or community centres across the capital, speaking to people about the condition.

There are currently more than 18,000 people living in Harrow who suffer from both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, with a further 23,000 in Brent.

Diabetes Week runs from June 14 to 20.

People can join the conversation on Twitter by sharing your hints, tips and stories of living life to the full with diabetes, using the hashtag #DiabetesAndMe.